Clos du Marquis 2011

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Now a completely separate entity from Leoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis is produced from Las Cases vineyards, but only from those that are outside the famous walled sector (referred to as Le Clos), which are reserved for Leoville Las Cases. The 2011 Clos du Marquis, which is meant to compete with second growths, possesses a dark ruby/plum color along with classic black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of minerality and spice. This pure, medium-bodied, well-endowed beauty can be drunk over the next 10-15 years.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Clos du Marquis is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc cropped at 27hl/ha. It has a well-defined, minerally bouquet that would benefit from a little more fruit intensity. It is certainly broody and introspective compared to the 2010. The palate is more promising with a firm backbone, fresh acidity, foursquare and masculine with good substance and weight towards the finish, more sense of completeness than the aromatics suggests. It does not quite have the persistency of a great Clos du Marquis but it is very fine. Tasted April 2012.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A top-notch success that tips the scales at 13.6% natural alcohol, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc was cropped at only 27 hectoliters per hectare. Representing 40% of the entire production, this is a seriously endowed, deep purple-colored 2011 with lots of pure creme de cassis and black cherry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of cedar, vanillin and spice box. With good acidity, ripe tannin and surprising concentration as well as depth, this classic St.-Julien has once again over-performed.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Bright ruby. Perfumed, expressive aromas of ripe blackberry and candied cherry are joined by suggestions of potpourri and an intense note of violet. Broad and sweet on entry, with weighty dark berry and ripe dark cherry flavors showing a floral quality, but turns austere, even a little bitter, on the back end. The fruit expands and deepens on the finish, which features mounting tannins and an almost thick texture for this wine. I think this needs time: try a bottle in about five or six years.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot and 13% cabernet franc; 40% new oak): Ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of cassis, flowers and herbs. Sweet and plummy on entry, then tighter but still pliant in the middle, showing an enticing restrained sweetness to the blackcurrant, soy sauce and mocha flavors. Finishes persistent and floral, with noble tannins spreading out to saturate the palate.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2011 Clos du Marquis has a pretty nose with vivacious red fruit, rose petal and light tertiary scents. Nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, fine acidity, a little pinched and lacking length, but at least there is decent freshness. Not bad, but I have had better bottles than this example. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2011 Clos du Marquis has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate, sous-bois mixed with cigar humidor and wild mint scents that emerge with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine sappy entry and cohesive with a fine bead of acidity. This is not a deep, fleshy nor fruit-driven Clos du Marquis, but it is finely proportioned with a lovely saline finish. Drink now and over the next 6-8 years.